Links
The village of Saint Hilaire: Website on the Abbey of Saint Hilaireand its history. Also offers information on other Abbeys and sacred sites of the area, and throughout France.
Website giving information on the Cathars and their history. The Cathars were wiped out by a series of crusades by other Christians. Although the Cathars were Christians themselves they refused to be part of the Holy Roman Catholic Church.
Carcassonne: The main tourist website for Carcassonne, in both French and English. Gives information on the City, the Bastide, and a good idea of what’s going on, all year round.
Limoux: The town of Limoux is lovely, and the most social place in the area. There is something going on all year round, from festivals to dances and wine-tastings. In July and August there is a Tuesday night-market where you can buy crafts. The carnival of Limoux takes place every weekend from the first week in January to the middle of March.
Contact details, in English, for the tourist office in Limoux.
Recommended Restaurants : Le Clos de Saint Hilaire is the local restaurant in the hotel, which is a Logis. It’s also been recommended as one of the ‘Charming Hotels’ of France. The owners make great efforts to please guests and they are happy to explain the food and wine, which is all local. It’s a great place for a birthday meal.
Maison Gayda is one of the best restaurants in the area, and it’s very popular with locals and tourists alike. They are also one of the largest distributors of wine in the area. You can eat inside or outside, where there are tables offering you a fantastic view of the Pyrenees. Its round 20 minutes drive away.
Another favourite restaurant is two villages away on the small road north to Carcassonne. If you want to eat in a Chateau, try Cavanac. It’s a ‘prix fixe’ menu, one price and you get an eight course meal, including wine. Best to book in advance, particularly if you want to go there Saturday night.
An even older (10th century château) is Saint Martin de Trencavel. The Trencavels were one of the most important families of the area. The chateau has a great restaurant and it’s also where the locals learn to make Cassoulet in the attached culinary school.
The Languedoc: www.creme-de-languedoc.com/Languedoc/index.php
Maps: www.map-of-france.co.uk/map-of-languedoc-roussillon.htm
www.maplandia.com/france/languedoc-roussillon/
Wine map: www.terroir-france.com/wine/lr_map.htm
How-to-get-places map: www.mappy.fr
Weather: www.wunderground.com
Transport: www.carcassonne.aeroport.fr/uk/
www.Ryanair.com
www.tgv-europe.com/en/home/
www.ter-sncf.com/Languedoc/V2/index.asp
Taxis in Carcassonne : 04.68.71.50.50
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